Clovis Music Festival revives after five years

September 9, 2005

Norman Petty Trio member Georgiana Hagen, right, sings as Mike Mitchell plays the drums. The two were reunited at the Thursday kick-off party for the 2005 Clovis Music Festival at the Norman Petty Studio. (Staff photo: Eric Kluth)

By Marlena Hartz: CNJ staff writer

The return of the Clovis Music Festival summoned the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll back to life.

The backyard of the Norman Petty Studio on Thursday was awash in bluish lights and fan appreciation: Hearty applause, girlish laughter and the flash of cameras.

The backyard celebration kicked off the 2005 Clovis Music Festival — and the rebirth of a tradition.

Once an annual event, the Clovis Music Festival went into hibernation five years ago. With the help of some dedicated fans and a little star power, it’s back.

“(The festival) fell by the wayside because we got away from our roots — we started booking more country musicians and pop acts,” said Liz Eisenbraun, Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce marketing and special events coordinator.

A big fan of the original rock ‘n’ roll era, Eisenbraun, who hails from England, resurrected the festival, said Chamber of Commerce employees.

Eisenbraun said her passion for 1950s hits accounts for just a portion of the festival’s return.

She pointed out that Clovis is known worldwide for its musical legends — the folks who passed through the doors of Seventh Street’s Norman Petty Studio. “I appreciate the history,” Eisenbraun said.

The invitation-only event drew a big audience, including festival sponsors, tribute artists, the makers of a musical era including Clovis resident and Roses band member David Bigham.

Also in attendance was Peggy Sue, the woman who inspired Buddy Holly’s famous tune.

Husbands and wives, Southwest Cheese sponsors and foreign fans mingled quietly with the stars during the “unofficial jam,” said Chamber of Commerce director Ernie Kos.